What Are Spiritual Challenges

• Over the last 30 years, psychological study on a number of spiritual issues has been done. Spiritual problems are one spiritual issue that has garnered a lot of attention.
• People are affected not only psychologically, socially, and physically by major life challenges, but also spiritually.
• Natural disasters, accidents, sicknesses, and other stressful circumstances can put people's spiritual lives in jeopardy or cause them to struggle spiritually.
• Spiritual coping problems are attempts to protect or transform people's relationships with whatever they consider precious, such as their connection to God/Higher Power, spiritual identity, and religious community connections.
• Terminology. Many studies on spiritual difficulty use the phrase “negative religious coping,” but we and other researchers have started to use the term “spiritual/religious problems.” Why?
• Spiritual conflicts can be watershed moments in human development or “forks in the path.”
• According to several research, persons who are able to resolve spiritual conflicts over time gain and grow from them.
• Others may choose to temporarily or permanently withdraw from spiritual challenges.
• Others who are stuck in their troubles emotionally and physically deteriorate.
• Even atheists and non-religious people may deal with spiritual issues such as feeling distanced from, unhappy with, angry with, or abandoned by God.
• See Constructs/Our Measures for more broad background information on spiritual problems.
• Spiritual conflicts refer to disagreements with God/Higher Power, oneself, and others over spiritual topics. Distressing feelings and doubts about one's spiritual journey in life arise as a result of these tensions.
• Internal/intrapsychic spiritual conflicts—inner conflict about spirituality or religion
• Spiritual conflicts with other family members, friends, clergy, community members, or the greater culture concerning spirituality or religion are interpersonal/communal spiritual challenges.
• The 7-item Negative Religious Coping subscale from the Brief RCOPE is most typically used to assess spiritual problems (Pargament, Feuille, & Burdzy, 2011). For the entire Brief RCOPE and lengthier scales to more fully examine spiritual problems, go to Constructs/Our Measures.
• For additional information on how we define these two overlapping concepts, see Defining Religion & Spirituality.

What comprehensive empirical research on Spiritual Struggles in Coping with Marital Problems has been conducted?

• Despite substantial research on spiritual issues in other areas, there has been essentially no systematic research on spiritual struggles in marriage. Nonetheless, the Relational Spirituality Framework emphasizes that serious or persistent marital issues, such as infidelity, can lead to private or communal spiritual challenges with God.
• Prior research on spirituality and marital problems has relied on indirect indicators to determine if people feel spiritual struggles as a result of marital problems, such as frequency of religious attendance or overall value of religion in everyday life. We employ definitions and measurements of spiritual challenges established in past research on non-marital stressors to stimulate more in-depth study on spiritual struggles with marital problems (e.g., natural diasters, health problems).
• In practice, we have concentrated our research on Divine Spiritual Struggles rather than Internal or Interpersonal Spiritual Struggles in relation to marital issues.
• When it comes to interpreting and reacting to marital problems, we characterize Divine Spiritual Struggles with Marital Problems as having a confrontation with God. It's helpful to define conflict before delving into this definition. We define conflict as an individual's internal or external conflicts over his or her life goals and/or paths to achieving those goals. When troubles emerge, humans can be in conflict with God, just as they might have internal or interpersonal conflict. Problems in marriage can jeopardize life ambitions. An individual may have a disagreement with God about why marital difficulties have arisen and what should be done to resolve them. These conflicts with God might lead to negative feelings and thoughts regarding one's relationship with God.

For psychological research, how do we measure Divine Struggles in Coping with Marital Problems?

• We used the following three sub-scales (three items each) from Pargament's R-COPE to assess divine spiritual struggles with marital troubles in our transition to parenting study. These nine items were mixed in with R-COPE sub-scale items from other sub-scales. For additional information on the history and development of the R-COPE and Spiritual Struggles Sub-scales, see Constructs/Our Measures.
• Instructions for dealing with marital troubles include the following: The sentences that follow outline particular ways that people might manage with the inevitable marital problems that arise from time to time. When you think about the challenges you've had in your marriage, how much do you use each of the following to deal with them? When I'm having marital issues, I…

How might Divine Spiritual Struggles in Coping with Marital Problems benefit or hinder a marriage or couple relationship?

• To the best of our knowledge, our study on the transition to parenthood is the first attempt to investigate how much married couples experience spiritual struggles as a result of marital difficulties, and what impact these divine spiritual struggles have on the marriage and each spouse's psychological or spiritual well-being. We are presently doing analyses and will report back when we have more information.

What are examples of spiritual activities?

Finding meaning and purpose in life may be a lifelong process that changes over time as a result of unique circumstances, personal experiences, and global events. A person's level of spiritual wellness, like the other dimensions of wellness, varies throughout their life. It's common to feel a range of emotions on the route to spiritual healing, both positive and negative (hope, forgiveness, acceptance, joy) (doubt, fear, disappointment, conflict).

Spiritual wellbeing has the power to make our decisions and choices easier, to center us during times of change, and to provide us with the resiliency to face hardship with grace and inner peace. Having a spiritual component in our lives may even assist us in healing whether we are afflicted with a physical or mental ailment.

Personal Reflection

Take a moment to measure your spiritual well-being by answering the following questions.

• Do I make an effort to broaden my understanding of various ethnic, racial, and religious groups?

Practice Spiritual Wellness

When it comes to spiritual wellness, it's vital to identify the strategy and approach that works best for you; unlike the other dimensions of wellness, there is no “one size fits all” solution.

• Volunteering in your community, spending time in nature, and appreciating music and the arts are all good things to do.

In future articles regarding spiritual wellness, we'll look at ways to figure out what your meaning or purpose is, as well as activities that can help you maintain or improve your spiritual wellness.

What does it mean to struggle spiritually?

MRG: It is well documented in the literature that people suffering from mental illness frequently interpret their condition in religious or spiritual terms. Furthermore, we know that people with mental illness are especially prone to the detrimental impacts of spiritual struggle, especially when such challenges are not addressed well and in a timely manner.

Spiritual struggle, in its broadest sense, relates to religious or spiritual sorrow (i.e., feeling punished or abandoned by God, having doubt about religious or spiritual beliefs, or experiencing conflict with other people that is centered on religious matters). The literature on how spiritual challenges in people with mental illness are addressed in the context of psychological treatment was lacking.

My research was the first to use an intervention called Winding Road to evaluate a systematic method to resolving spiritual issues among people with mental illness. Winding Road is a 9-session spiritually integrated intervention developed by a group of colleagues and me to address spiritual challenges in a religiously diverse population of individuals with mental illness.

The mission of Winding Road is to promote acceptance of spiritual conflicts, increase readiness to investigate spiritual challenges, reduce stigma associated with spiritual difficulty, broaden and deepen understandings of the divine, and make spirituality more integrated into daily life. Patients in a partial hospitalization program at a private psychiatric hospital in central Pennsylvania took part in the study. The study's volunteers were randomly assigned to either Winding Road or standard care.

MRG: Winding Road had an impact on the participants' spiritual and psychological well-being. When it came to spiritual well-being, those who received Winding Road felt less abandoned or punished by God (the concept of “divine spiritual conflict”) than those who received standard care. One Winding Road member expressed this shift by saying, “God became more personal to me.” He was just up there and not very accessible before, but…the problems are now easy.” “I feel like I became closer to God because I was able to communicate to Him instead of worrying about Him being upset and not listening to me,” another participant said. Participants reported reduced spiritual troubles as well as more forgiveness—for themselves, others, and God's forgiveness.

How do you challenge yourself spiritually?

Seven Ways to Boost Your Spiritual Well-Being

• Examine your spiritual foundation. You are merely asking yourself questions about who you are and what you mean when you explore your spiritual essence.

How can I overcome my spiritual challenges?

It may seem self-evident, but the solution to any situation is to seek God's help. God already knows what we're going through, and he wants us to come to him with all of our concerns. If there is apparent sin in my life, I must first seek forgiveness from God. However, even when I am not conscious of evident transgressions, God might appear distant. I can still pray to God for assistance. “You make known to me the way of life,” says Psalm 16:11, “and you will fill me with delight in your presence, with endless pleasures at your right side.” I can pray that God will reveal his ways to me and fill me with delight when I am in his presence.

How do you solve spiritual problems?

When Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem, he discovered a slew of issues. While most people remember Nehemiah for his leadership in repairing the walls of Jerusalem, he also demonstrated spiritual leadership. Nehemiah recalls the myriad spiritual challenges the people still faced—and how he handled them—in the last chapter of his record, drawing on the good will and esteem he had earned previously. While we may not face the same problems today, today's problem solvers require the same talents as Nehemiah.

• Problem solvers build their solutions on the foundation of God's Word (Neh. 13:1-3). People who are solution-oriented foster a culture that values the truth of God's Word, establishing the standard by which all problems will be appraised and all solutions will be derived. Instead of resorting to either the expectations of the congregation or their own past practice, problem solvers make God's Word the consistent judge by which they assess all things, rather than bringing it up when it's convenient or using it to justify a personal perspective.
• Sinful situations are not tolerated by problem solvers; they are addressed and changed (Neh. 13:4-9). The first step is to preach about a sin or a doctrinal issue. Solutions-oriented thinking exposes people who are to blame and offers spiritual alternatives to harmful practices. It'll probably take some time and a lot of knowledge, but focusing on the long-term godly solution makes the effort and patience worthwhile. A leader, on the other hand, who fails to rectify erroneous behaviors out of fear of receiving complaints or losing numbers isn't really leading at all.
• Problem solvers pick up on minor details that point to greater concerns (Neh. 13:10). Problem solutions does not always entail identifying flaws. Recognizing when something or someone is absent is a big part of it. People that are solution-oriented look for ways to include people who have previously been disregarded. They pick up on leadership inconsistencies immediately, which create a distrustful environment. They are aware of the ramifications of minor details, allowing them to work in principle to correct critical errors.
• When the leadership is in the wrong, problem solvers stand up to them (Neh. 13:11). In many congregations of the Lord's church today, we have come to accept an incorrect concept of authority. While people accept the Bible as the ultimate authority in theory, they frequently defer to the leadership in practice—even when those leaders are behaving in direct opposition to the Bible. Instead of sitting on their hands as if they can do nothing, solution-oriented people take a stand against leadership when the leaders themselves are sinning.
• Problem solvers look for people who are willing to rise to the occasion to meet the issues that God's people confront (Neh. 13:12-13). People who value solutions over the status quo are always on the hunt for others who share their values. True solutions, on the other hand, necessitate consistency rather than change. As a result, issue solvers must not only discover people who are open to change, but also those who are devoted to doing what is better and right.
• Problem solvers work for the glory of God, for the good of God's people, and for the future of God's people (Neh. 13:14). The American corporate culture has had an adverse impact on how many Christians see church work and those who work especially with the church. A preacher who sees himself as the congregation's stooge will be unable to assist them in resolving their issues. Only by looking at his work from a divine viewpoint and with eternity in mind will a man be able to rise above the employee mindset and accomplish what is best for people, even if those impacted are unaware of it right away.
• People who commit sin are chastised by problem solvers (Neh. 13:15-18). If you refuse to acknowledge a problem, you will not be able to solve it. You must first eliminate the problem before you can find a solution. Unfortunately, the most common response to difficulties these days is to try to wait them out, talk them out, or ignore them entirely. People that are solution-oriented see that these aren't exactly solutions, but rather attempts to shift the problem down the road. We cannot be spiritual leaders unless we are strong enough to correct others who are in sin.
• Problem solvers come up with ways to keep the same problems from recurring (Neh. 13:19-22). Some people act as if yelling and whining about an issue, pointing fingers at people, and bullying them until they give in is the same as problem solving. It isn't the case. People who are solution-oriented not only address the issue, but they also have the vision to devise a feasible solution that incorporates people in a positive way and includes safeguards to avoid the problem from recurring.
• Because they realize that personal and congregational concerns are intertwined, problem solvers handle both (Neh. 13:23-28). A congregation's spiritual health is only as good as its members' daily lives. Leaders who assess the health of a congregation only on the basis of Sunday attendance and sermons are not shepherding sheep; they are monitoring the congregation. Because the problems that most affect people are personal, solution-oriented persons must be prepared to offer personal solutions to people both inside and beyond the congregation.
• Problem solvers do not make concessions. They purify, correct, and implore (Neh. 13:29-31). You can't fix a problem unless you're ready to handle every aspect of it, eliminate the factors that contribute to the problem, and put forth all of the necessary steps to find a solution. Unfortunately, many people are satisfied with doing merely a portion of each. This is not a viable option. It's a half-hearted attempt to persuade others (and possibly ourselves) that we're doing anything, in the hopes of being judged on our effort rather than our output.

We live in a world that is full of issues. We know from personal experience that we all confront a variety of issues. As a result, we must accept that congregations will face difficulties. Accepting the reality of problems, on the other hand, is only the first step. We must prepare ourselves to address the problem, remedy the problem, and then move on from it, or we will not be able to truly solve the situation. This is something that solution-oriented individuals are aware of, which is why more preachers and elders need to become solution-oriented.

What are 3 examples of spiritual?

When looking for the meaning of life, spirituality is a personal experience that leads to a set of personal beliefs. It represents something bigger than the physical or material realm in life.

Spirituality is also a technique of dealing with day-to-day problems and connecting with something greater than yourself.

Spirituality can mean various things to different people. Spirituality, for some, is linked to religion and perhaps a higher force. Others may find it in non-religious activities such as connecting with nature, art, yoga, meditation, and so on.

How can I be spiritually well?

Religion brings spirituality to some people, but it does not bring spirituality to others. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to spiritual well-being. Here are a few ideas to get you started if you're not sure where to start.

According to a Gallup poll, 43% of Americans claim to be members of a church or other religious organization. These houses of worship provide a variety of opportunities for those living with mental illnesses to connect with others in their communities.

Reconnect with someone or an organization that shares your ideas and thoughts, whether online, over the phone, or in person. Find ways to connect with like-minded people in your religion community who can support and encourage you by reaching out to a pastor or spiritual leader.

“Many people's support mechanisms were taken away from them during the pandemic—church, volunteering, support groups,” Wester added. “It was especially difficult for individuals who were already dealing with mental health concerns.” I advise people to reconnect with their religion group as soon as they are physically secure to do so.”

It's fine if you don't have a faith community. Finding a cause that resonates to you and giving back is another way to feel connected to your spirituality and faith. Working in a food pantry, becoming a mentor or tutor, or fostering an animal are all options. As a result, your community will develop and you will be able to meet individuals who share your interests. It will offer you a sense of purpose and thankfulness to serve others.

You don't have to be a yogi to benefit from the practice's spiritual benefits. Yoga is suitable for people of all ages and abilities. It can improve your mind and spirit, as well as strengthen and stretch your body, by lowering stress, depression, and anxiety symptoms.

You don't have to be an expert meditator like you don't have to be an experienced yoga practitioner. Because it takes so little time, meditation is one of the easiest disciplines to keep. “Some people believe you must sit and be silent, but this is not the case,” Wester explained. “You can walk while meditating, paying attention to the sensations of your feet on the ground and the intricacies of your surroundings. Simply slowing down your body can help you calm down your mind.”

Even five minutes of meditation can help you reduce stress, despair, and worry while also increasing your mindfulness. There are numerous fantastic guided meditation applications, such as Calm or Balance, if you need help.

Writing can help you process your emotions, raise your awareness, and provide a nonjudgmental space for you to express your feelings in the present. Start a daily thankfulness notebook with prompts or write down your anxieties and fears.

Spending time in nature, whether you live in the mountains, the desert, or near the ocean, can improve your spiritual health. You can't seem to get away from your phone, your day, and your problems. Even a few minutes spent watching the birds, trees swinging in the breeze, or crashing waves on the shoreline can be relaxing.

Find activities that you enjoy, such as knitting, coloring, cooking, sports, or working out. Focusing on things you enjoy might help you regain a feeling of purpose and stay present in the moment, even if only for a short time.

If you're having trouble connecting with your spiritual side or your mental health, get help from someone who is specially trained or someone you trust.

“Chaplains are specifically equipped to deal with religious issues in a clinical setting,” Wester added. They can assist validate your feelings without sweeping them under the rug. They can help you get back on track spiritually.”

What exactly is spirituality?

Spirituality is defined as the awareness of a feeling, sense, or belief that there is something more to being human than sensory experience, and that the greater total of which we are a part is cosmic or divine in nature. True spirituality necessitates the opening of one's heart.

What is negative spirituality?

“It makes obvious that the more religious or spiritual you are, the healthier you are,” said Brick Johnstone, a neuropsychologist and professor of health psychology at the University of Missouri School of Health Professions. “However, some people's health is worsened even if they have the tiniest amount of bad spirituality — basically, when people believe they're sick because they've done something wrong and God is punishing them.”

Johnstone and his colleagues looked at nearly 200 people to see how their spiritual beliefs influenced their health. Some of the participants in the study had cancer, severe brain damage, or chronic pain, while others were in good health. The participants were divided into two groups: those who reported feeling abandoned or punished by a higher power, and those who did not report feeling abandoned or punished by a higher power, according to the researchers. Participants were asked about their mental and physical well-being, as well as physical pain.

Negative spirituality was associated with much worse pain, as well as physical and mental health, whereas positive spirituality was associated with better mental health. The researchers discovered that having any level of negative spiritual belief contributed to lower health outcomes, even if people expressed favorable spiritual views.

“According to previous study, roughly 10% of people hold negative spiritual beliefs, such as believing that if they don't do something perfectly, God will abandon them,” Johnstone said. “It's a negative feature of religion when people believe that God is against them.' What type of hope am I holding out for?' People with a firm belief that God loves and forgives them despite their flaws, on the other hand, have much better mental health.”

People who have negative spiritual ideas are less likely to engage in religious practices and have lower degrees of positive spirituality and forgiveness. According to Johnstone, interventions that help battle negative spiritual ideas and encourage positive spiritual beliefs could help some people improve their pain and mental health.

The study was published in the Journal of Spirituality and Mental Health and was titled “Relationships Between Negative Spiritual Beliefs and Health Outcomes for Individuals With Heterogeneous Medical Conditions.”